Abstract
The latest recommended goals for blood lipid levels may require multiple lipid drugs. Lower doses in combination may render more efficacy and safety than highest doses of single agents. Except for isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia (a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), therapies will start with a statin. All marketed statins are acceptable. The choice may be based on dose- efficacy and patient’s tolerability. High-potency statins (eg, atorvastatin, simvastatin, or rosuvastatin) are often chosen. Currently, generic statins, such as simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and fluvastatin, offer cost benefits. The choice of added agent depends on the “residual lipoprotein abnormalities” after statin therapy, efficacy, compliance issues, and cost. Approved “combined” preparations improve cost and compliance. To further lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ezetimibe is a safe, efficacious choice, pending resolution of a controversial trial’s results. Colesevelam is moderately effective and the best tolerated bile acids sequestrant. In combined dyslipidemias, extended-release niacin is the best tolerated niacin preparation; other quality-controlled immediate-release preparations have similar safety and efficacy but produce more flushing of the skin. Niacin or fenofibrate is effective in normalizing high-density lipoprotein and triglyceride levels persisting after statin therapy. Agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the latest guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program, American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology provide choices and indications of drug combinations.
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Disclosure
Carlos A. Dujovne reports no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article. Craig D. Williams has received honoraria from Merck & Co. Matthew K. Ito has been a consultant for Daiichi Sankyo and received speaker fees from Abbott Laboratories and Merck & Co.
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Dujovne, C.A., Williams, C.D. & Ito, M.K. What Combination Therapy with a Statin, If Any, Would You Recommend?. Curr Atheroscler Rep 13, 12–22 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-010-0150-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-010-0150-3
Keywords
- Dyslipidemia
- Combined dyslipidemia
- Mixed dyslipidemia
- Hypercholesterolemia
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
- Statins
- Niacins
- Fibrates
- Bile acid binders
- Fish oils
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Lovastatin
- Pravastatin
- Fluvastatin
- Simvastatin
- Atorvastatin
- Rosuvastatin
- Statin plus other lipid-regulating agents
- Combination therapy guidelines
- FDA ruling on combination therapy for dyslipidemia
- National cholesterol education guidelines on combination drug therapy for dyslipidemias